What are “certified” coins?

Certified coins are coins that have been verified for authenticity and graded for condition by a trusted third-party company, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). After grading, the coin is sealed in a protective holder (often called a slab) with its certification details. This process gives buyers confidence that the coin is genuine, fairly graded, and protected, making it easier to buy, sell, or trade with peace of mind.